Dr. Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr Appointed Chair of Community Health at Augusta University

News Summary

Dr. Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr has been appointed as the inaugural chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences at Augusta University’s School of Public Health, starting June 2025. With a strong background as an implementation scientist, Dr. Kruse-Diehr aims to enhance public health initiatives, focusing on community-based programs and cancer health equity. His leadership is expected to foster collaboration across health sectors in Augusta, driving innovative health strategies. Additionally, Augusta Health is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment while implementing new healthcare technologies.

Augusta, Georgia – Dr. Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr has been appointed as the inaugural chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences at Augusta University’s School of Public Health. His new role is set to commence in June 2025, as announced by Dr. Teresa Waters, Dean of the School of Public Health.

Dr. Kruse-Diehr comes to Augusta University with a wealth of experience, previously serving as co-director at the University of Kentucky’s Center for Implementation, Dissemination, and Evidence-based Research. He is recognized as an implementation scientist, focusing on patient-centered interventions across diverse environments, including local communities and educational institutions. His research primarily aims at improving colorectal cancer screening rates, particularly among Black Americans and those living in rural areas, as well as developing diabetes self-management strategies for individuals facing significant social challenges.

In addition to his previous roles, Dr. Kruse-Diehr was recognized as an inaugural fellow in the 2023-24 Markey Cancer Center Leaders Advancing UNity and Cancer Health Equity Academy. His commitment to translating research into practical applications through evidence-based programs is a central theme of his work.

Goals and Initiatives

Upon assuming his new position at Augusta University, Dr. Kruse-Diehr aims to establish a community-based research fellows program. This initiative is intended to bolster workforce development in public health organizations, thereby enhancing local health strategies and interventions. Emphasizing collaboration, Dr. Kruse-Diehr plans to work closely with faculty from the Medical College, Dental College, and Georgia Cancer Center, aiming to build a strong collaborative environment that fosters innovation in public health research and practice.

Ongoing Health Initiatives in Augusta

In conjunction with Dr. Kruse-Diehr’s appointment, Augusta Health is currently conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a requirement that takes place every three years. The CHNA is designed to evaluate the health needs of the community and inform initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes. As part of this assessment process, an online survey will remain open until March 24, 2025, alongside a phone survey to actively gather community feedback regarding health concerns.

Furthering its commitment to addressing public health needs, Augusta Health has partnered with MEDITECH to implement an integrated electronic health record system. This advancement is geared towards enhancing patient care and expanding access to services in the local community. Additionally, a new community clinic in Fishersville has recently opened, aimed at alleviating primary care shortages. This clinic is structured as a teaching facility to train future physicians and is expected to accommodate more than 2,400 appointments for the remainder of the year, providing crucial primary care services to the area.

Educational Background

Dr. Kruse-Diehr holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in English from DePaul University, and a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Toledo. His strong educational foundation supports his extensive research and community health efforts.

As Dr. Kruse-Diehr prepares to join Augusta University in mid-2025, his vision for enhancing community and behavioral health through research, education, and collaboration suggests a promising future for public health initiatives within the region.

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Additional Resources

• Augusta Health Community Clinic
• News Leader: Augusta Health Community Health Needs Assessment Survey
• Business Wire: Augusta Health Selects MEDITECH Expanse
• WRDW: Piedmont Augusta Announces Donation to Nonprofits
• Wikipedia: Public Health